Reference groups

My 5 reference groups affect how I conduct self-evaluation. It is important to understand that self-appraisal is not based on the individual's level of construct but it is based on the state of the comparison group (Allen, 2001). From my personal experience, as a young black female, I am perceive as a person from racial and ethnic group that is culturally and biologically distinct from the dominant group. The Americans and many scholars do not appreciate my black color or in other words the African culture. Although for many years  I have  interacted with Americans, there a big gap in the culture systems and the gap is influenced by the concept of ‘self-knowledge' (Allen, 2001). Everyone has self-construal and the self-system is made up of independent and interdependent self-construal. Focusing on self-reflection, it is important to understand that American society is full of racism and as a result, I am viewed with a negative attitude. Racetalk operates among white Americans and I experience racist speech and sentiment.  Whites' everyday conversation is full of stereotypes and disparaging beliefs (Allen, 2001). Racetalk is a codified language that is also implanted in the institutions. For example, the  society believe that as a  black  female,  I am dirty, and wicked whereas young white females  are innocent and upright.  These beliefs have influenced today’s society to display a detrimental image of the women of color.  Even when scholars are talking about race and immigration, they refer to people of color as poor, criminal, economically disadvantaged, illegal aliens, undocumented worker, among other terms (Allen, 2001). The oppression and discrimination have made the African American community to develop self-hatred and abandon their heritage. 

In my case, I am a female aged 26 and a middle-class from the black community. As an African America living in the American community, I expect recognition and respect but what I get are nonrecognition and nonrespect. This affects my self-concepts as young black female in that rather than seeing myself using a positive insight, the social forces around affects my esteem.  My sense of self is affected by the way other people view me. For example, the whites label me using my ethnic background and physical diagnosis. In general, the society has labeling bias and I am affected by the negative labeling. I internalize the negative labels and this affects me as a young black female in that I develop negative self-concept. My sense of self is not only influenced by how other people view me but it is also influenced by the way I compare ourselves with others. I have a low self-esteem in that I believe that whites are better off. This comparison changes my actual characteristics in that I have an unfavorable comparison which makes me develop negative self-esteem. Due internalization and experience of the racist attitude, I perceive myself the same way the society perceive me (Schaefer, 2008). The prejudice and discrimination make me suffer from low self-esteem and I express hatred to other racial group. Another important point to note is that as a black young female, I have developed a ‘black norm' that ‘black young female are poor’.  However, despite the prejudice I come across as a middle-class female, I need better treatment and equality. The white society should recognize my social existence and integrate me into the larger society.

 

 

As a young black female, I am totally overlooked, I am categorized, and seen as a nonfactor in society.  The gender and race-based bias affect my life mentally and physically since I am denied various opportunities, and I cannot even engage in romantic relationship with whites.  All these problems come as a result of my skin color, my hair texture (they describe me as ‘black woman wearing hair weave’), racial and gender identity, and my ethnic background.  As a young lady aged 26, I am  perceived as older than my actual age,  I am perceived as  less attractive,  I am stereotyped as hypersexual,  uneducated, gold digger,   I am judged to be aggressive  and I face struggles and constant fight every day.  I believe in myself but I always underrated in the society as a woman of color.  I have suffered from the anxiety of being a black middle-class woman especially when I feel unwell.  I experience inequalities in healthcare due to my middle-class level which is associated with poverty, lack of higher education, and lack of insurance.  Being black women, I face racial discrimination and I struggle for both upward mobility and freedom. I experience damaging societal stereotypes that hinder me from benefited from social protections.  The stereotype affect my reference group in that despite being a beautiful young female from the black community, I suffer from social anxiety.  In the workplace and school setting, I experience stigma and I am unable to cope with the psychological problems.  Despite the fact that I work hard to achieve freedom and have my own choices and accomplishments, stress and struggle hinder me from becoming the person I wanted to be.

 

 The society's negative views on my reference group have affected my thoughts and behaviors.  Note that the discrimination and prejudice act as social forces which allow me to construct negative worldviews. The social forces have deprived me social acceptance and a sense of belonging (Schaefer, 2008). However, my  reference group play a significant role in that when I look at myself,  I  develop a positive attitude about myself,  I develop better mental health,  and I love myself more. I have confidence that out of the stereotypes, I have befitting and valid strategies that guide my life (Schaefer, 2008). The social forces help me view the world positively and thus, I find it easier to solve certain problems. The negative views from society help me look forward to creating a sustainable environment practice that promote positive feelings and a sense of belonging.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Allen, R. L. (2001). The concept of self: A study of black identity and self-esteem. Detroit:

Wayne State University Press

 

Schaefer, R. T. (2008). Encyclopedia of race, ethnicity, and society. Los Angeles:

SAGEPublications.